The Vale of Glamorgan Council

Council: 28th September 2015

Report of the Leader

Deputising Arrangements for Managing Director

Purpose of the Report

To ask Council to approve appropriate deputising arrangements for the Managing Director in the circumstances of his absence

Recommendations

That Council approve the provision of deputy cover arrangements for the Managing Director to cover the circumstances of any future absence and to ensure that the Managing Director delegations as set out in Part 8 of the Council's Constitution can be discharged.

That such arrangements are approved with immediate effect and exercised by nomination by the Managing Director from amongst the Director of Social Services, the Director of Environment and Housing and the Director of Learning and Skills

Reason for the Recommendations

1&2 To ensure sustainable management arrangements in the circumstances of the absence of the Managing Director

Background

In 2012 Council approved the provision of "deputy" cover arrangements for the newly appointed Managing Director in the circumstances of her absence on, for example annual leave or sickness.

The arrangements were based on the designation of the then three Directors (and the formerly designated Chief Learning and Skills Officer) as joint Deputy Managing Directors on a three monthly rotating basis.

Such arrangements were set in place to cover the range of Managing Director delegations as set out in Part 8 of the Council's Constitution.

The delegations included the power to act, after consultation with the appropriate Cabinet Member (and the Leader, Section 151 Officer and appropriate Chief Officer on matters involving financial commitments) on issues that require immediate action and did not justify holding a special meeting or where the issues are of such urgency or emergency as not to allow time to convene a meeting of the appropriate body).

The above arrangements were, at the time agreed for the period of the previous Managing Director's interim appointment (i.e. up to 31st July 2015).

Relevant Issues and Options

It is important now to seek to reintroduce deputy cover arrangements in the light of the appointment of the Council's new Managing Director as from 1 May 2015 and the expiration of the previous arrangements on the 31 July 2015.

It is proposed that such cover is provided from amongst the three current Corporate Directors (Director of Social Services, Director of Environment and Housing, and Director of Learning and Skills) and by nomination by the Managing Director.

The arrangement would provide greater certainty and flexibility for the Council than the former provisions, and arrangements which are more likely to be appropriate to the circumstances prevailing at a particular time.

It is proposed that the revised arrangements, if approved should be implemented with immediate effect.

The Council's Constitution, as currently written would not need to be revised to accommodate the above change.

Resource Implications (Financial and Employment)

There are no resource implications.

Sustainability and Climate Change Implications

There are no implications directly associated with this report.

Legal Implications (to Include Human Rights Implications)

There are no legal implications directly associated with this report.

Crime and Disorder Implications

There are no crime and disorder implications directly arising from this report.

Equal Opportunities Implications (to include Welsh Language issues)

There are no equal opportunities implications.

Corporate/Service Objectives

The proposals within this report have been designed to ensure sustainable management arrangements for the Council.

Policy Framework and Budget

This is a matter for consideration by Full Council.

Consultation (including Ward Member Consultation)

Consultation has taken place with members of the Corporate Management Team.